Ex libris (Latin: from books) is a phrase often used in an ownership inscription or a bookplate, usually found on the inside of a book cover or on one of the first few pages. It indicates ownership, and is usually followed by a name in the genitive case, i.e. from the books of ... or from the library of .... It may also be written as e libris.
Ownership inscriptions in books did not become common in Europe until the 13th century, when various other forms of 'librarianship' became widespread (such as the use of class-marks, call-numbers, or shelfmarks).
Printed bookplates (the earliest surviving example is 15th century) typically include heraldry, a motto, and the name of the owner; but they may have no more than just a name or heraldic crest, or be far more elaborate.
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